8.7 cm wide, massive tooth of Carcharodontosaurus saharicus

8.7 cm wide, massive tooth of Carcharodontosaurus saharicus

The 8.7 cm tooth of Carcharodontosaurus saharicus shows impressively how large the prehistoric giant could grow. Most of the light-coloured enamel is clearly visible. The fine serration is still largely preserved and can be recognised and felt. Unfortunately, the tip of the tooth is missing. Like most finds from Morocco, the tooth has been repaired and restored.

Carcharodontosaurus saharicus was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs that ever lived on Earth. The name means “shark-toothed lizard” and refers to the similarity of its teeth to those of the great white shark, after which the genus was named. It is also known as the African T-Rex.

Carcharodontosaurus reached a length of up to 13.7 meters and an estimated weight of about 6 tons. Its skull was exceptionally large at around 1.6 meters and bore about 60 long, sharp, serrated teeth that were suitable for tearing apart prey.